Maryland Provides Support for Federal Workers Affected by Shutdown

In the first hours of a federal government shutdown that could open the door for another round of federal workforce cuts, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced support and resources available to workers in the state affected by the first federal government closure since 2018.

According to Moore’s office, 269,000 of the state’s residents were employed by the federal government before large-scale federal workforce reductions began in January of this year. In addition, more than 160,000 federal civilian jobs were located in Maryland prior to these cuts.

“The federal government is stepping away from its basic obligations to Maryland and our people. But despite the challenge, our resolve is unwavering,” said Moore in a statement, encouraging federal government workers to “take full advantage of these resources.”

On Oct. 6, the Maryland Department of Labor launched the Federal Shutdown Loan Program, designed to support Maryland federal workers who are not eligible for unemployment insurance, by offering a no-interest loan of $700 “to help meet essential expenses while they await back pay following the shutdown.”

Moore’s office also notes that furloughed federal employees—who are not working and are not receiving pay during the shutdown—may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees program.

Furloughed employees of federal contractors may be eligible for state unemployment insurance benefits. Recipients who receive retroactive pay after the shutdown ends will be required to repay the benefits, according to the statement from Moore’s office.

Federal employees who are laid off during the shutdown may also be eligible to apply for Maryland’s Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program, which offers a zero-interest $700 loan to eligible former federal workers who live in Maryland and who are experiencing financial hardship.

“Our public servants do critical work for our nation, and losing pay during a federal shutdown creates financial hardship,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu, in a statement. “Maryland is committed to providing critical support and resources during this incredibly challenging time.”